Has Steve Smith Really Not Hit a Ball Since Missing That Full Toss?
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Synopsis
Steve Smith's surprising admission about not hitting a ball since a pivotal moment in the 2025 Champions Trophy raises eyebrows as he prepares for the ICC World Test Championship Final. Will his preparation pay off against South Africa? Discover his mindset and approach as he aims to lead Australia to victory.
Key Takeaways
- Smith has not hit a ball since a critical moment in the Champions Trophy.
- He spent time focusing on fitness in New York.
- His batting average is notably high in England.
- Smith's approach to practice has evolved with age.
- The WTC Final against South Africa is a crucial match for Australia.
New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) As Australia prepares to take on South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship Final, star batsman Steve Smith disclosed that he has not faced a single ball since he missed a full toss from Mohammed Shami during the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal.
Following that match, where Smith scored 73 but Australia lost the semi-final, he announced his retirement from ODI cricket. He then spent three months in New York, USA, focusing on his fitness. Unlike his teammates who participated in the IPL and County Championship, Smith refrained from picking up a bat, a surprising move for someone known for his dedication to the sport.
"I usually have a bat at home that I would casually practice with. However, I consciously decided to take a break. It felt refreshing. I hadn't hit a ball since the Champions Trophy incident," Smith said.
"Fortunately, everything came together quickly. I feel agile, strong, and ready to dive back in. Typically, my first session is decent, but my second is terrible, then I improve. This time, both sessions went exceptionally well, and I hope I can maintain this momentum without needing extensive practice in the upcoming days," the revitalized Smith stated, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
Australia emerges as the frontrunner to retain their WTC title against South Africa in the one-off final set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15. Smith's impressive average of 55 in Tests in England, which rises to 58.33 at Lord’s, is a significant asset. In the 2023 WTC final against India at The Oval, he scored 121.
Despite a period of low century scores, Smith rebounded by achieving back-to-back centuries against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and added two more hundreds during his trip to Sri Lanka earlier this year. He credits a conversation with former Australian player Michael Hussey for adopting a "less is more" approach to practice.
"As we get older, we’ve played a lot of cricket. It's essential to maintain a sharp mental focus during critical moments without exhausting all our energy in practice. Striking a balance is crucial. I need to feel prepared when I step onto the field, but I also recognize that mental aspects can wear thin with age. It’s essential to be in the right mindset to bat for extended periods," he elaborated.
Smith concluded, "Sometimes I misjudge this balance. However, when I'm hitting the ball well, I can adjust my preparation accordingly and trust that I'll perform when it matters most."
Point of View
Steve Smith's decision to abstain from batting practice is both intriguing and risky. As the Editor-in-Chief, I recognize the significance of physical and mental readiness in high-stakes matches. Smith’s approach highlights a shift in mindset that reflects the evolving nature of sports preparation, especially for seasoned players. It will be fascinating to see if this gamble pays off for Australia in the WTC Final.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't Steve Smith hit a ball since the Champions Trophy?
Steve Smith decided to take a break from batting practice to focus on his fitness and mental preparation.
What was Steve Smith's performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy?
In the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal, Smith scored 73 runs before Australia lost the match.
What is Smith's batting average in Tests in England?
Steve Smith has an impressive batting average of 55 in Tests played in England.
What advice did Michael Hussey give to Smith?
Michael Hussey advised Smith to adopt a 'less is more' approach to practice as he ages.
When is the ICC World Test Championship Final scheduled?
The ICC World Test Championship Final is scheduled to take place from June 11 to June 15 at Lord’s.
